Texans report: Backup QBs to show their stuff

When the Texas begin the preseason schedule at Minnesota on Friday, quarterback Matt Schaub will play a series or two and be replaced by T.J. Yates, according to coach Gary Kubiak.

Case Keenum will replace Yates. Kubiak would like to get some playing time for Stephen McGee, but that might not be possible.

“That’s a lot to get four guys their reps, but Matt will play very briefly,” Kubiak said. “T.J.’s the two, but he’s getting pushed every day. They’re battling for a (backup) job.
“This is probably the best group we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

Tate may start against Vikings

Starting running back Arian Foster is still on the PUP list. Ben Tate, who’s been bothered by a groin injury, will be back on the field today.

Kubiak said Tate or undrafted rookie Dennis Johnson will start at Minnesota.

When asked if he can play against the Vikings, Tate said he’s “ready to go.”

Reed’s return met with relief
The coaches felt better on Tuesday because outside linebacker Brooks Reed returned to practice, even though he didn’t participate in every drill. He had been out with a bruised knee.

“It scared me at first,” Reed said, “but I’m fine now. It was helpful to take a day off and get the swelling down. I feel good. There’s nothing wrong.”

Reed doesn’t know if he’ll play in the preseason opener at Minnesota on Friday. If he does start, he won’t play long.

“I don’t know what the reps are going to be like for this game,” he said.

LG Wade out with knee bruise

Left guard Wade Smith left the morning practice with a bruised knee. He didn’t participate in the afternoon workout.

Smith, coming off his first Pro Bowl, starts between tackle Duane Brown and center Chris Myers. All three went to the Pro Bowl after last season.

“He got dinged a little bit, so we took him inside,” coach Gary Kubiak said. “We’ll get it looked at.”

If Smith doesn’t start against Minnesota on Friday, rookie David Quessenberry, a sixth-round pick, should replace him. The coaches want to see as much of Quessenberry, who also can play tackle, as possible.

Fans’ last chance to watch today

Wednesday morning’s practice is the last for fans to attend at the Methodist Training Center.

There were 5,156 fans at Tuesday’s morning practice. For seven open practices, the Texans have drawn 37,883 fans.

Montgomery back on field

Rookie outside linebacker Sam Montgomery has had a difficult transition from LSU to the NFL.

After being drafted in the third round, Montgomery didn’t do anything to impress the coaches in the offseason program. He showed up at the rookie conditioning program out of shape. Then he suffered an ankle injury on the first day of practice.

Montgomery has been trying to learn the offense by watching and listening. On Tuesday, he made an appearance on the field.

“I’m working hard to make sure I stay in shape,” Montgomery said. “I went out there and killed the runs. I’m trying to make sure that I’m mentally and physically ready for when they call my name.

“The ankle feels pretty good. I’m doing drops, doing cuts, doing sprints, getting out of stances and everything I normally can. It’s a little sore at times, but I push through it and get better every day.”